I had wanted to visit Sardinia for the past four years, so when my plans to attend Cannes Lions fell through this year, I knew exactly where to reroute my travels. I booked the most glorious four-day solo escape from London to the jewel of the Mediterranean: Costa Smeralda, Sardinia.
Before my trip, I asked my Instagram audience for recommendations. Many people warned me that getting around via taxis would be expensive, that renting a car was essential, and that Porto Cervo was worth visiting but not necessarily worth staying in. While I can confirm the taxis are eye-wateringly expensive, I absolutely loved basing myself in the Porto Cervo/Cala di Volpe area for my first visit, fully immersing myself in the Costa Smeralda lifestyle.
Below is my four-day itinerary, the perfect mix of boat day, beach day, bohemian village day, and of course exploring the heart of Porto Cervo:
Day 1: Settle in and Explore Porto Cervo
Olbia Airport
Flew from London Gatwick to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport.
Hotel Petra Bianca
Checked into Hotel Petra Bianca, spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool, and soaked in the stunning views over Cala di Volpe. The hotel was incredibly helpful in scheduling all of my transportation and plans for my visit. Would stay again in a heartbeat.
Porto Cervo Sunset
Headed to the Marina di Porto Cervo to explore the Promenade du Port around 6 PM, browsed boutiques like Dope Factory, enjoyed a cocktail along the water at Ally’s Bar, and ended the evening with a sunset dinner at the breathtaking Langosteria. It is the only restaurant in Porto Cervo set right on the water!
Day 2: 7-HR Boat Day
La Maddalena Boat Day
Sardinia is best experienced from the water. The sea here is some of the most pristine I’ve ever seen in the Mediterranean. I booked the seven-hour La Maddalena Archipelago catamaran tour with Sardinia Catamaran, departing from Porto di Palau around 9 AM and returning at 4 PM, which included a classic Sardinian aperitivo and lunch onboard. It was easily one of the highlights of the trip.
Dinner at Hotel Petra Bianca
After a full day on the water, I enjoyed a relaxed dinner back at the hotel. Considering my round trip taxi to Porto di Palau was twice as expensive as the 7 HR boatride, it was good to take a break ha!
Day 3: Full Beach Day
Liscia Ruja Beach Day
The beaches in Sardinia are among the most beautiful in the world. I took the hotel transfer to Liscia Ruja around 1 PM, the longest beach on the Costa Smeralda and one of the island’s most spectacular stretches of coastline. I had lunch at White Beach Club before renting one of their sun loungers for the afternoon. Pro Tip: if you request one of the unserviced sunbeds, it’s around 1/5th the price.
Phi Beach Sunset & Dinner
In the evening, I headed to the iconic Phi Beach around 6:30 PM, an open-air venue famous for its sunset views, music, and nightlife. I had dinner at Nammos, where the live music, lively atmosphere, and front-row view of the sunset made for an unforgettable evening. The food was mid but the views were unmatched.
Day 4: Bohemian Village Visit & Departure
San Pantaleo
Before heading home, I spent the morning through early afternoon exploring San Pantaleo, a charming, bohemian village nestled among the dramatic granite mountains of the Gallura region. It was the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, boutique shopping, and picking up a few last-minute souvenirs. My favorite boutique was Yashu&Prem and I highly recommend the Casa Boheme (pictured below) for lunch.
Olbia Airport
Flew from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport back to London Gatwick.
